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Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

A refreshing and light Grapefruit Poppy Seed Cake featuring a moist crumb infused with tangy grapefruit juice and zest, complemented by crunchy poppy seeds. This delightful cake is perfect for a spring or summer dessert, offering a subtle citrus flavor and a tender texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing and lightly flouring it to prevent the cake from sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a mixer or whisk, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs: Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
  5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are well combined.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and tender.
  7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the finished batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  8. Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 20 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature.
  10. Frost (Optional): Once fully cooled, you may frost the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with grapefruit juice, or enjoy the cake plain for a lighter, refreshing dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
  • Grapefruit zest adds essential aromatic oils; be sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Grapefruit cake, Poppy seed cake, Citrus dessert, Light cake, Spring dessert

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/grapefruit-poppy-seed-cake-recipe/